The RTA signed a ten-year lease to operate, manage and regulate 9,084 parking spaces with TECOM Investments, the subsidiary of Dubai Holding Group that runs the emirate's free zones.

“The agreement will help sort out traffic congestions in areas where TECOM is operating; which is triggered by the disorderly parking of vehicles, and also streamline the entry and exit from our facilities,” Abdullatif Al Mulla, group CEO of TECOM Investments, said in a statement.

The statement did not confirm when the charges would be introduced.

Parking will be divided into two categories; parking lots booked for partners and clients of TECOM and paid parking zones.

Three types of prepaid parking cards - annual, six-months and three-months - will be available for purchase. Paid parking machines, which can be operated through mobile phones, will also be in operation.

The new spaces will be subject to charges between 8am and 6pm, Saturday to Thursday. Violators will be fined AED100-500 (US$27-US$136).